Examination of spouse support and relationship happinessin married individuals based on different family life cycles

The study aims to examine the relationship happiness and spousal support in married individuals based on different family life cycles. The independent variables of the study, which was designed as a correlational study, are family life cycle and gender and the dependent variables are spousal support and relationship happiness. The sample of the study consisted of 346 married individuals residing in various cities in Turkey. Data were collected using the Spouse Support Scale and Relationship Happiness Scale. Independent T-test, ANOVA and regression analysis were implemented to analyze data. The results reveal that the levels of spousal support of the married individuals differ based on the family life cycle, while the family life cycle does not have an effect on their relationship happiness levels. In addition, it is concluded that the effect of gender on the spousal support levels and relationship happiness of the married individuals is not significant. However, there are significant and positive relationships between the levels of spousal support and relationship happiness of the married individuals in different family life cycles (new family, family with a baby, family with a child in preschool education, family with a child at school, family with a child in adolescence). Similarly, the moderating effect of the family life cycle on the relationship between the relationship happiness of the married individuals and spousal support is significant. This effect is that increased spousal support positively affects relationship happiness in individuals in a family cycle that has begun to live again. The results were discussed in the context of the relevant literature and suggestions were made.